Viola
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- vy-OH-la
- Description
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Viola, or Violets, are delicate favorites in spring. Viola is a genus containing 500 to 600 species, not to mention various hybrids, and cultivars including pansies and Johnny-jump-ups. In horticulture the term pansy is normally used for the multi-colored, large-flowered cultivars raised annually or biennially from seed and used extensively in garden beds. The terms viola and violet are normally reserved for small-flowered annuals or perennials, including the wild species. Violets are native to cold northern areas, but grow surprisingly well in the south, with deep purplish green leaves and lavender colored flowers.
In general, violets are an herbaceous, perennial flowering plant with leaves and flowers emerging on separate stems from rhizomes from March to June. it is a low growing (5 to 7 inches high), mounding, vigorously spreading plant that can make life difficult for lawn enthusiasts. The plant reproduces by seed in late summer and early fall when flowers without petals produce seeds which are thrown by mechanical ejection from three-parted seed capsules. The plant can also spread by root division from its rhizomes. The leaves and flowers grow on separate stems arising from the a basal crown on long petioles.
Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:
In general, there are no known diseases or insect problems common to violets.
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Davidson County Extension Demonstration Garden Reynolda Gardens Functional Foundation Landscape
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Viola
- Family:
- Violaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- The Cherokee used the plant to treat colds and headaches. It can also be used to treat coughs, sore throats and constipation.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- The genus is worldwide.
- Distribution:
- Throughout
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- This plant supports Fritillary butterfly larvae. Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and bees. Members of the genus Viola support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Gonandrena) fragilis, Andrena (Gonandrena) integra, and Andrena (Gonandrena) platyparia. Caterpillars of fritillary butterflies feed on the foliage. This plant can attract small mammals and songbirds.
- Edibility:
- Violet leaves are high in Vitamin C and can be used in salads or cooked. The flowers can be made into candies or jellies.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- During the summer cleistogamous flower buds that never open but that produce fertile seeds. Fruit capsules split open by way of three valves. The seeds are often transported by ants.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Irregular
- Lipped
- Saucer
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch flowers in various colors, most are 5-petaled with 4 petals being swept upright or fan-like and one acting as a guide for pollinators. The shape of the petals vary. Most bloom in spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Description:
- The leaves are symmetrical, the venation is ribbed (costate) and range in color from yellowish-green to dark green. Most have heart-shaped scalloped leaves but some have palmate leaves and other shapes. Many have no stem and the rest have short stems. Those with short stems form basal rosettes. Leaves measure 1 to 3 inches long and 1/2 to 2 inches wide. The leaves grow from the basal crown.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Form:
- Straight
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Small Space
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Edible Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Erosion
- Heat
- Humidity
- Poor Soil
- Problems:
- Weedy
